Exercise

These are a few concepts to bear in mind, whether you are a seasoned gym goer or coming into exercise after a break.

Mind- Body connection in exercise

Establishing a connection between our mind and body plays a crucial role in guiding our choices regarding both the type and intensity of exercise we undertake. By paying attention to how we feel, we are better equipped to select activities that suit our current state, making the process of exercising more enjoyable and less of a struggle. For instance, if we recognise that we are feeling tired, we are more likely to opt for a routine that energises us, rather than one that leaves us feeling depleted. This mindful approach allows us to tailor our exercise to our needs, enhancing both our experience and outcomes.

Flexible exercise programme

Practising awareness during exercise often means that setting fixed goals with strict timeframes can become challenging. When we choose to truly listen to our bodies, the journey towards our objectives may not follow a predictable schedule. Sometimes, it might take longer than expected to reach a particular goal, while at other times, progress may happen more quickly. This variability highlights the importance of staying flexible and attuned to our bodies' needs.

Similarly, rigid exercise programmes may not be the most suitable approach for everyone. These structured routines often lack the flexibility required to accommodate how we feel on any given day. By adhering strictly to a set plan, we risk ignoring the signals our bodies provide, which can lead to decreased enjoyment and potentially hinder our overall well-being. Embracing a more flexible exercise philosophy allows us to adjust our activities in response to our physical and mental state, ultimately supporting a more sustainable and enjoyable relationship with exercise.

Diversity in exercise

Diversity within our exercise regime is essential to overall well-being and physical development. Our bodies possess a wide range of capabilities, including flexibility, strength, endurance, agility, power, speed, balance, and co-ordination. Each of these attributes, contributes uniquely to our physical health, and none should be considered more important than the others. By maintaining a varied repertoire of activities that target these different aspects, we ensure that our bodies are challenged in multiple ways. This holistic approach not only promotes balanced development but also helps to minimise the risk of injury. Engaging in diverse exercises allows us to develop well-rounded fitness, making our routines both effective and enjoyable.

Intention

It is also vital to consider our intention when engaging in exercise. The approach we take can significantly influence our overall experience and outcomes. Exercising with a compassionate intention allows us to approach our fitness routine with greater care and understanding. Rather than pushing ourselves harshly or criticising our efforts, a compassionate mindset encourages us to listen to our bodies and respect our limits. This way, we can nurture both our physical health and our relationship with exercise, making it a more enjoyable and sustainable part of our lives.

Be active every day

It is important to recognise that everyone has different levels of fitness and varying amounts of time available for exercise. What matters most is finding ways to incorporate physical activity into our daily routine, regardless of individual circumstances. Being active does not require a significant time commitment; even short periods of movement can make a difference to our overall well-being. The key is to ensure that some form of activity is part of each day, tailored to suit our unique situation and abilities.

Listening to your bodies and knowing when to stop

It is also crucial that we pay close attention to our bodies during exercise, stopping when we genuinely feel that we have reached our limit, rather than pushing ourselves unnecessarily further. By staying tuned in to our physical sensations, we can better understand what our bodies are capable of, on any given day and at any moment.

However, this does not mean that we should stop at the first sign of discomfort. During physical activity, there are generally two kinds of barriers we may encounter. The first is a healthy fatigue barrier, which is natural and can be beneficial to work through, as overcoming it often leads to improved fitness and resilience. The second is the unhealthy fatigue barrier, which signals when we are at risk of pushing ourselves too far and potentially causing harm. It is vital to recognise and respect this second barrier, ensuring we do not ignore our body's warnings. With time and consistent practice, these physical signals will become more obvious, enabling us to distinguish between healthy and unhealthy fatigue. This increased awareness helps us to exercise safely and effectively, supporting both our physical progress and our overall well-being.